At the end of August, Mayor Greg Nickels awarded 19 neighborhood projects a total of more than $1.3 million in matching funds from the Department of Neighborhoods.

Local West Seattle organizations to receive funds:

- $67,210 to the Global to Local project to create youth-driven approach to creating and producing programming in Delridge and West Seattle. (Delridge)

- $77,200 to the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center for the ALL ACCESS partnership to empower local youth through arts-based learning. (Delridge)

- $54,849 to the Delridge Neighborhood Trails Committee to create kiosks and wayfinding signs to guide pedestrians to parks, business areas, and community resources. (Delridge)

- $88,200 to the Concord Elementary PTSA for the creation of a multi-purpose space for outdoor recreation and education. (South Park)

- $98,761 to the West Seattle Junction Association for the creation of a community plaza and green space in the heart of the West Seattle Junction. (West Seattle)

The money will support projects across the city as diverse as public art, parks improvements and youth development. A ceremony and celebration was held for the award recipients at the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club.

“These awards recognize the dedication and hard work of community members working together to improve their neighborhoods,” said Nickels. “From youth leadership programs to wetland restoration, these projects will truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

The Department of Neighborhoods’ Large Projects Fund annually provides cash awards of up to $100,000 to neighborhood organizations committed to building a better community. The funding is matched by locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor.

The 2009 awards range from $28,000 to $100,000 and communities have pledged to match the city’s $1.3 million contribution with resources valued at nearly $1.9 million. For a listing of all 2009 award recipients, visit http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/2009LPFAwardsList.pdf.

“Especially in tough economic times like these, the incredible value to our city that Neighborhood Matching Fund projects provides comes to light,” said Stella Chao, director of the Department of Neighborhoods.

Since the program was created 21 years ago, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has awarded more than $42 million with a community match of more than $64 million. Projects have involved nearly 65,000 volunteers who have donated over 400,000 work hours.